Cape Town – The leader of the EFF Julius Malema is facing criminal charges of animal cruelty for a poorly executed cow slaughter during the party’s 10th-anniversary celebration.
A video of the incident went viral in July, showing Malema struggling to slaughter a cow in Magaliesberg as part of the EFF’s anniversary event.
In the video, Malema repeatedly stabbed the cow with small knives, attempting to paralyse it through a method called pithing, which involves piercing the spinal cord to kill the animal.
Criminal charge laid against Julius Malema for botched cow slaughter
The NSPCA has decided to lay criminal charges against the EFF leader for repeatedly stabbing a cow in a botched attempt at slaughtering the animal pic.twitter.com/2Tft3AcHfZ
— Platformville 🇿🇦 (@Platformville) September 7, 2023
However, Malema’s actions were characterised by a lack of skill, with the cow being stabbed 11 times and the knife twisted over 60 times while the animal remained conscious, Times Live reported.
The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has filed criminal charges against Malema in accordance with the Animals Protection Act, which aims to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering to animals.
Peacock said the animal appears to have suffered significant distress.
“After a thorough investigation into the contraventions depicted in the video, the NSPCA has laid criminal charges against Malema in accordance with the Animals Protection Act. The NSPCA will work with law enforcement and the prosecuting authority to ensure a comprehensive investigation and prosecution,” EWN quoted spokesperson Jacques Peacock as saying.
He added: “It is crucial that those who inflict harm upon animals are held accountable for their actions as this sends a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our society.”
The case was opened at the Magaliesberg police station, he said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
